I recently got "re-hooked" on this addictive little mobile app game (sad I know). It's set up so you get a limited amount of turns unless you pay $3.99 for the full version. The other option is to watch a video to get a few extra turns. I say video, but what I mean is a string of ads for other similar addictive games. It all of the sudden hit home with full force how much of a digital stimulation sinkhole we are all desperately trying to drag ourselves out of. A man with lesser willpower would have downloaded all six of those little games and been stuck in a recursive gaming loop until the end of time (I only downloaded three lol!). Many of us suffer the seemingly unrelated consequences of constant stimulation. According acupuncture and Chinese medicine, the root causes of many mystery syndromes such as migraines, insomnia, and bipolar disorder stem from our bodies suffering a diminished capacity to self-regulate. Western medical scans and tests are inconclusive many times because the illness is not physical yet; it's on an energetic level, and our bodies as energetic systems (skeptics turn on some speakers and explain the buzzing noise that happens when you touch the little metal doohickie that plugs into your computer or stereo) are impacted in a real way by the outside energies to which we subject ourselves. Whether it's HD TV, Excel spreadsheets, Netflix, or Call of Duty, technology has provided us a veritable unlimited supply of "virtual caffeine". The tragedy is even though we know all these things cause the mental fatigue, lack of focus, and foggy thinking that over time cause bigger issues, the ubiquitous nature of these "digital durgs" makes withdrawing from the cyber rat race difficult to say the least.

So what can we do? The answer is relatively simple: unplug. The more you "be still" versus "do something fun or productive", the greater chance your body and mind will have to repair and restore balance to its energetic system. But how? Acupuncture is king (or queen if you prefer!) among ways to accomplish this. There is actually a protocol that has been used for decades to help people de-stress and detox from all sorts of addictions including drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, food, work, etc. It's called the NADA protocol, and it uses five ear points:

Liver: helps aid the detoxification of the liver, reduce frustration, and give a sense of hope for overcoming addiction

Lung: helps clear the lungs, reduce tightness and constriction in the chest, and restore the sense of connectedness to something bigger than yourself

This combination of points is so effective that people all over the world (including Hollywood stars) are having them activated with acupuncture pins or other techniques to help restore balance and well-being to their lives. Even a gentle self-ear massage works wonders! My selfish hope for the world is that community and group acupuncture clinics will become as commonplace as coffee shops and fast food restaurants, giving everyone a chance to "unplug" from our digital lives and tap into a deeper sense of peace, happiness, and and well-being.

Absolutely - here in the mercifully sunny Bay Area, I just spent three days doing as close to absolutely nothing as I could. Very soon, began feeling optimistic, able to sort through various decisions, and overall, like myself again. I'm thinking of retiring the IPhone! I'll make a deal with you, Farris - no more video games and I'll donate IPhone 5 to science!

Reply

Farris

2/20/2013 10:23:08 pm

Oh wow that's great Susan! I agree 100%; time away from the techno babble, especially when you in nature or near water, can really help with getting back on the right track. I'm with you - get that iPhone ready for dissection because I gave up video games for Lent!

Behind the Voices

Jenny Chen is an award-winning multimedia journalist and science writer. Her work has appeared in The Atlantic, Time.com, and NPR member stations. She was formerly the editor-in0chief of a local Asian American news magazine called Asian Fortune. Jenny is an avid fan or acupuncture and holistic medicine - and especially a fan of OurSpace!

Farris grew up in Georgia and worked for years as a youth wilderness counselor, teacher, and tutor before moving to Maryland to pursue a degree in acupuncture. A recent Tai Sophia graduate, he is committed to bringing affordable acupuncture and wellness education to groups in the DC Metro area. As Farris puts it, “I am continually amazed that tiny pins inserted just under the surface of the skin and a thoughtful question by a practitioner helped heal my shoulder, strengthen my bladder, and lift my depression; the same medicine has allowed me to help others heal their necks, stomachs, cancers, and spirits. I believe acupuncture is the answer to crises of healthcare, community, and ultimately the planet."